New risks

New risks are a challenge for workers' compensation systems, especially as regards the insurability of occupational diseases and the assessment of occupational disability.

According to the European study Eurogip 2002, most benefit claims involve the following occupational diseases:

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  Musculoskeletal disorders or damaged joints
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  Loss of hearing
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  Asbestos-related diseases
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  Skin diseases, in particular allergies

Stress also plays a significant role in these figures. The "Third Europeansurvey on Working Conditions 2000" revealed the following: in the case of occupational risks with health problems, back complaints are in first place, stress second.